Tendon Sheath of Flexor Carpi Radialis
Vagina tendinis flexoris radialis carpi
Read moreAnatomical Relations
The flexor carpi radialis tendon is enveloped within its tendon sheath in the distal forearm. It courses distally over the flexor retinaculum, in a deep groove on the trapezium, and emerges to insert into the base of the second metacarpal. The radial artery lies immediately lateral to the sheath (Standring, 2016; Moore, Dalley and Agur, 2013).
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure
The tendon sheath of the flexor carpi radialis has an outer fibrous component and an inner double layered sheath of synovial membrane that is akin to a longitudinal bursa. The synovial layer is composed of an inner visceral layer and an outer parietal layer. The synovium produces a thin layer of lubricating fluid between the visceral and parietal layers which surround the tendons.
Function
The tendon sheath of the flexor carpi radialis provides a well-lubricated, smooth surface that reduces friction during movement of the tendon.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Tendovaginitis
References
Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. M. R. (2013) Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Clinically Oriented Anatomy 7th edn.: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Tendon Sheath
Tenosynovectomy refers to the excision of thickened tendon sheath and other tissue surrounding a tendon, commonly seen in infection, chemical irritation, and rheumatoid arthritis (synovectomy).
